Capital of South Vietnam and economic heart of the country, the former Saigon seems to display every day a boundless energy. This warm and feverish metropolis always in perpetual change successfully combines memories of its colonial history with futuristic achievements. A destination out of the common that it is unthinkable not to discover during your stay in the South of Vietnam. To see, to do, we explain you everything!
1. Discover one of its many markets
The city is full of markets, each district has its own. Among all the markets, we propose you to discover the two most important markets not to be missed. First, the Ben Thanh market located in district 1 where the tourist activity is concentrated. A century-old market, built during the colonial era, where you can buy souvenirs, food products, clothes and even food. Also worth seeing is the Binh Tay market in the Cholon district. Bustling, electric, full of smells and colors, this market has the gift of awakening the senses. A beautiful and fascinating immersion in the popular commercial activity of Saigon.
2. Going to the Vietnam War Museum
The Vietnam War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is an essential step to understand Vietnam and its contemporary history. A visit that is certainly poignant but that allows to realize the harshness of a conflict and to better understand the values of peace.
3. Getting to the Bitexco Tower
Saigon in all its modernity with this elegant tower that proudly launches itself into the sky. At 260 meters high and 68 floors, it is the tallest building in Saigon and the city's iconic building, symbolizing Vietnam's modernization and economic development. You can visit the tower and climb to the 49th floor to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
4. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels
Located more than sixty kilometers to the northwest, the Cu Chi tunnels are an incredible and ingenious system of tunnels of more than 250 kilometers on several levels. Originally created by the Viet Minh under French Indochina, the Cu Chi tunnels were home to thousands of Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War against the Americans. This is one of the best half or full day tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and is an excellent history lesson.
5. Taste the Saigonese culinary specialties
Although not as famous as Hanoi's or Central Vietnam's, Saigon and South Vietnam's cuisine has something to delight the most delicate palates. Especially since for some time now, good restaurants have been emerging everywhere in the city, from the most chic to the most trendy, from the most traditional to the most street food. This real culinary ebullition should not take long to propel Ho Chi Minh City to become an unavoidable gastronomic destination in Southeast Asia.
6. Visit the Reunification Palace
Many remember the tank breaking the gate of the Reunification Palace on April 30, 1975, which marked the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. A place full of history that is also a magnificent example of combining modern and traditional oriental architectures. Located in District 1, its visit combines perfectly with the other tourist attractions of the city.
7. Have a drink on a rooftop bar
Take the high ground by going to one of the many rooftop bars that flourish on the roofs of buildings and enjoy an unforgettable view of Saigon at night when it shines with a thousand lights. Everyone will choose his or her own atmosphere, from the most retro on the terrace of the Majestic or the Rex, to the most trendy on the roof at the Glow Sky Bar